Magic Johnson and Lionel Messi are among 19 people to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, the White House announced on Saturday, the morning of the awards ceremony. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States' highest civilian honor.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in an extraordinary move by Joe Biden.
It is America's highest civilian honor, reserved only for “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant civic, public or private endeavors.”
Messi moved to the US last summer when he joined Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team co-owned by David Beckham.
The 37-year-old, captain of Argentina and World Cup winner, played just 39 games for Inter Miami. He did lead his country to glory in the Copa America on American soil last summer.
Messi is one of two athletes honored by the outgoing president, alongside basketball legend 'Magic' Johnson.
Other sports stars to receive the Medal of Freedom in recent years include Tiger Woods, Megan Rapinoe and Olympic heroes Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky.
Biden will posthumously honor Robert F Kennedy, the former US attorney general and senator who was assassinated in 1968.
“President Biden believes that great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair chance, and put decency above all else,” the White House said.
“These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Messi received the award for his success on the pitch and his charity work off it, 'supporting healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.'
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